Posts Tagged ‘Memorial Day’

Today marks the last day of the pre-summer semester break here at Cogswell, which means the days of binge watching shows and movies on Netflix, sleeping in until noon, and eating every delicious food out there are over. Sad, I know. It’s time to get ready for the summer semester, and for those taking summer off… keep enjoying your break!

So what exactly is Memorial Day, and what does it represent and stand for? Formally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is federal holiday that is observed every year on the Final Monday of May. Widely considered to be the beginning of the summer season, the day honors those who have died while serving in the United States Military. All non-essential government offices are closed during the day including most schools, some have the day off from work and local businesses may choose to be closed as well.

Memorial day honors those who have lost their lives while in military service, it is traditional to fly the US flag at half mast. Many people also visit national cemeteries where volunteers will place the flag at each grave. Memorial Day was first observed following the American Civil War to honor both the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century the holiday was extended to include all American soldiers. This day is not to be confused with Veteran’s Day which celebrates the service of all United States military veterans. That, in summary is what Memorial day is all about.

Happy Memorial Day everybody, enjoy the last day of break, try to get that one last BBQ in, and be sure to get plenty of rest because tomorrow its back to work!

This is a day to honor all of the men and women who gave their lives fighting for our country in the time of war. We know that many Cogswell grads did their part and served in the US Military or as a civilian in the defense industry.

Following is the copy of page from the “Cogswell Spirit” newsletter dated March 13, 1942. The ‘news’ section of each newsletter from this period was filled with notes about our alumni’s involvement in the war effort. While we don’t know the fate of these specific individuals, we do know that many alumni paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We hope you will take a few minutes today to be thankful for what these individuals did.

Here’s the text from the News section:

“Thursday proved to be ‘Ole Grad’ day for Cogswell when the following alumni visited school.

Lee Stephens, how a 5th Class Technician with the 826th Tank Destroyer Battalion at Camp Roberts, reported that his division is the first Tank Destroyer unit formed for this war.

Conrad Schudel, a mechanic at McClelland Field in Sacramento said that he may be transferred to the air base at Hamilton Field.

Ray Miller is still working for P.G. & E. and is awaiting the results of the draft lottery next week.

Jean Auerbach gave an interesting account of her work with the Chemical Warfare Procurement District to the Filing class.

Peter Gaviglio, a lieutenant in the Navy who was wounded at Pearl Harbor, has been sent back to this country and visited school last week with his wife and small daughter. He is able to walk again and is anticipating taking command of a destroyer soon.”